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Carbon dioxide molecules are made up of three atoms (CO2), so they can absorb heat. It is thus called a greenhouse gas. Any gas with three or more atoms can capture heat.

Oxygen (O) and nitrogen (N) consist of a single atom each, so they don't capture heat.

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Q: Why does carbon dioxide absorb infrared energy but oxygen and nitrogen do not?
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Related questions

What does carbon dioxide and water vapor absorb?

infrared radiation


Which molecule absorbs infrared radiation?

The greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone ( minor contribution), water vapour are the molecules of the gases which absorb infrared radiations.


What is a gas composed of molecules that absorb and radiate infrared radiation from the sun?

Carbon dioxide (CO2).


What gases in the atmosphere absorb infrared radiation and Which gases absorb ultraviolet?

Some of the gases found in our atmosphere which absorb infrared light are: carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor. Gases found in our atmosphere which absorb ultraviolet light are ozone (O3) and oxygen gas (O2).


What substances absorb CARBON DIOXIDE?

Potassium Hydroxide can be used to absorb carbon dioxide from the air.


What do lungs absorb from the air?

Lungs absorb gases from the air. These include oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen. The oxygen is higher in concentration outside of the lung and so passes into the lung and to the blood. The opposite is true of carbon dioxide. There is much more nitrogen than any other gas but it is passive and the body doesn't make use of nitrogen this way.


What is being reduced that can absorb carbon dioxide?

As more forest is being reduced that can absorb carbon dioxide.


What are the 4 gases that make up earths atmosphere?

78.08% nitrogen, 20.95% oxygen, 0.93% argon, carbon dioxide 0,04 %, etc.


What is the gas in Coca-Cola?

All carbonated drinks, including Coca Cola, use carbon dioxide (CO2).


Does carbon dioxide reflect sunlight?

Carbon dioxide absorb the sunlight.


When do plants absorb carbon?

Plants absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis.


Which is a compound oxygen helium carbon dioxide nitrogen?

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